Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a short term rental tax that is paid by the guest for the rental. If you are renting out room(s), living spaces in hotels, inns, tourist home or house, motel or other lodging for a period of 30 days or less, you are required to pay this tax. The money from this guest tax is an additional source of non-property tax revenue to Placer County.

Tax Rate

8% or 10% in Placer County, depending on the location of the rental unit. The tax rate for the area known as the “North Lake Tahoe Area” is 10%. The tax rate for the area known as the “Western Slope” is 8%. The division line is in the vicinity of Rainbow Road and I-80.

TOT Certificate

Apply for Certificate

Apply for Registration Certificate: You need to be registered and have a certificate before you can rent a place. If you did not realize it, you can still apply for the certificate by submitting the registration certificate

Cancel Certificate or Update Ownership

If you sell or transfer or terminate operation of your business or rental, the certificate holder must notify the County Tax Administrator in writing 30 days in advance of the sale or transfer date, to include the name and address of the purchaser or transferee (Sec 4.16.080).

Exemption to TOT

If the renter is a government employee or federal officer on official duty, they can apply for exemption to TOT by completing and filing the exemption application at the time the occupancy is agreed to, prior to taking occupancy of the rental. A contractor for the government agency cannot apply for exemption.

Account Balance

TOT is authorized under State Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280 and Placer County Ordinance 5006-B. Interested in finding out more? Download the Uniform Transient Occupancy Tax Code booklet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)?

Transient Occupancy Tax is a short term rental tax that is paid by the guest for the rental. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is levied for the privilege of occupying a room or rooms or other living space in a hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel or other lodging for a period of 30 days or less. TOT is authorized under State Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280 and Placer County Ordinance 5006-B. The tax acts as an additional source of non-property tax revenue to local government.

Do I still need to file a tax return even if I did not collect any rent during the quarter?

Yes. Returns must be filed quarterly, even if no tax is due. (Sec 4.16.070)

What is the filing due date for returns?

Returns must be postmarked by the US Post Office on or before the last day of the month following the close of each quarter. (Sec. 4.16.070)

What is the tax percentage rate?

The tax rate for the area known as the “North Lake Tahoe Area” is 10%. The tax rate for the area known as the “Western Slope” is 8%. The division line is in the vicinity of Rainbow Road and I-80. You can lookup the tax rate online (click on this link) with the APN number of the property, or Contact Revenue Services with the exact address of the rental unit to determine the correct tax rate. (Sec. 4.16.030) Look up your tax rate.

What if I sell or transfer or terminate operation of my business or rental?

A certificate holder must notify the County Tax Administrator in writing 30 days in advance of the sale or transfer date, to include the name and address of the purchaser or transferee. Send your notification to Placer County Administrative Services Department, Revenue Services Division, 10810 Justice Center Drive, Suite 100 Roseville, CA 95678 . (Sec 4.16.080)

What do I do if I dispute a penalty and interest assessment by the County?

A certificate holder may request a waiver of penalties and interest by the Director of Administrative Services by submitting a written request to Revenue Services within seven (7) working days after notification. (Sec. 4.16.110)

What are my options if my appeal is denied?

A certificate holder may appeal the determination made by the Director of Administrative Services by sending a written request to the Placer County Board of Supervisors within ten (10) working days of the determination. Send your request for appeal to the Placer County Board of Supervisors, 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603 (Sec. 4.16.110c)

What if my renter(s) states they are exempt from the tax?

In general, exemptions are not allowed except in a very few circumstances. Refer to the Code for more detail. (Sec. 4.16.040)

How do I obtain a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate?

Complete an application form and submit it to Revenue Services. (Sec. 4.16.060a)

Where do I display my new Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate?

Within sixty (60) days after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this article or within thirty (30) days after commencing business, whichever is later, each operator of any hotel renting occupancy to transients shall register such hotel with the tax administrator and obtain from him or her a “transient occupancy registration certificate” to be at all times posted in a conspicuous place on the premises. (Sec. 4.16.060)

If I use a property manager for my rental, do I still need to file a return?

If the certificate for your property is maintained by a property management company, and that company collects ALL of your rental income, then you do not need to file a return. If you collect any rents outside of your agreement with the property management company, you would be required to file a return for the portion of rental income that you collected. (Sec. 4.16.070)